Ralf Rangnick’s imminent arrival at Manchester United looms large ahead of Arsenal’s visit to Old Trafford, the first match since his appointment.
It’s understood the new interim manager, who will take charge until the end of the season, will not be in the dugout on Thursday night as he awaits a work permit, with Michael Carrick filling in once more.
After the 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a point stopping a rot of consecutive defeats in the Premier League, Carrick was insistent that Rangnick’s influence has not superceded him just yet, insisting the decision to drop Cristiano Ronaldo was his alone.
“That’s not the case, no,” he responded when he was told Gary Neville had suggested that “the incoming manager has picked that team as it’s a huge departure from midweek”.
Carrick said he had simply made “a few tweaks from the other night, to change things up a bit” and he is likely to make more ahead of what’s set to be his final game as temporary head coach.
Manchester United team news
Harry Maguire will be available for selection, having missed out against Chelsea through suspension due to his red card in the 4-1 defeat to Watford.
That means the England centre-back should return alongside Victor Lindelof, with Eric Bailly making way. Raphael Varane is sidelined with an ongoing hamstring problem.
Paul Pogba, likewise, is out with a thigh injury sustained on international duty in training with France. Luke Shaw is the only other major doubt as he continues to be assessed after suffering a knock to the head in the Manchester derby.
Edinson Cavani, who hasn’t played since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure due to a tendon problem, hinted that he will be back against Arsenal with a post of him celebrating in a United shirt. Mason Greenwood was an unused substitute at Chelsea after his positive Covid test and he should be in the squad again, though with six goals in his previous 15 appearances against Arsenal, Ronaldo is expected to start.
Arsenal team news
The north Londoners’ biggest concern is the fitness of Bukayo Saka, who was substituted while clutching at his hip after scoring in the 2-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta could only confirm that the Gunners are waiting on the outcome of a scan. Gabriel Martinelli will be pushing for a start in attack after scoring with one of his first touches following his introduction against the Magpies.
Nuno Tavares impressed at the weekend and could retain his place at left-back ahead of Kieran Tierney.
Granit Xhaka (knee) and Sead Kolasinac (ankle) are both long-term absentees.
Predicted Man Utd XI (4-3-1-2): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Telles; Matic, Fred, McTominay; Fernandes; Sancho, Ronaldo
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tavares; Partey, Lokonga; Martinelli, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Aubameyang
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3EbQx0i
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